PREFACE.

THE publication of this little volume can hardly require an apology. Most of what is here said may be found in Bp. Wilson's maxims, and the rest in other books: there is not any thing new in substance on any of these pages, but there is something new in the fashion and form of them, which may render them useful, where a better book might have been rejected. The following remarks are submitted to each reader, as hints to be followed up for himself.

In the present state of the world, it does not appear to be what is commonly called belief that is so much wanted, as Christian love, and a continual sense of the obligations consequent upon that love. There is a belief which exists almost without hope, and without an adequate sense of the value of immortal souls-a belief that has little to do with Chris

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tianity. We are told that devils believe and tremble: but it is our privilege to believe, and with our faith to cherish hope and charity: to which end, Christ crucified is evidently set before us. The doctrine, as distinct from the fact, of the Atonement has been well shewn to be full of mercy. The Saviour might have died for us, and we not have known it; and then we could not have felt His constraining love, the thrilling sweetness of His call. Love is the fulfilling of the law; love to God and man the secret strength of Christianity. The greatest sinners may repent and bring forth fruits meet for repentance, and be

with that free Spirit blessed

Which to the contrite can dispense
The princely heart of innocence.

If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is ever at the right hand of God, who also